Russia and Portugal play out eight-goal thriller

Russia finished top of UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 Group B on goal difference after a draw in which all eight strikes came in the second half.

Both teams led twice, but the decisive goal was also the best, a spectacular Eder Lima effort. These sides continue their campaigns in Monday's quarter-finals next door at the Sportpaleis, but Russia will miss Pula after his red card.

Portugal were without Joel Queirós, whose foot injury may also rule him out on Monday, but welcomed back Arnaldo Pereira from suspension and he hit the crossbar early on. Portugal's Gonçalo and Pedro Cary drew saves from Gustavo, while at the other end Eder Lima turned a Vladislav Shayakhmetov kick-in just wide.

João Benedito again gave way at half-time, tonight for Cristiano, ensuring all three of Portugal's goalkeepers have seen action in the group. But his opposite number Gustavo was soon picking the ball out of the net following Ricardinho's first-time finish after Sergei Sergeev was tackled in midfield.

No matter, Sergei Abramov almost immediately levelled from Aleksandr Fukin's corner. And just 93 seconds after Ricardinho's opener, Nikolai Pereverzev robbed Leitão, advanced and put Russia in front.

Eder Lima hit the Portugal crossbar, but Gonçalo levelled just before the midway point of the half with a neat finish. Once again, though, Russia did not wait long to respond, Shayakhmetov’s free-kick touched on by Sergeev for Eder Lima to make it 3-2 with his chest. However, a Pedro Cary kick-in was then sliced into his own net from a tight ankle by Fukin.

Pula was dismissed just under six minutes from the end for a foul on Arnaldo and early into the power play Cardinal hit a post. The move continued and Gonçalo got Portugal's fourth from out wide. Russia did not worry and produced the goal of the tournament as Robinho's lofted cross was met by an acrobatic Eder Lima bicycle kick. A fitting end to an incredible spell of play.